Mary Jean Garris Steppe

Mary Jean Garris Steppe

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Mary Jean Garris Steppe, 86 years, joined her God and close family on March 1, 2017 at Myrtle Beach Manor, Myrtle Beach, SC.

Jean was born in Greenville, NC on April 14, 1930. She was the daughter of Leland Stanford and Pattie Lawrence Garris. She was preceded in death by her husband, S. Fred Steppe as well as her sister, Hazel Garris Whitehurst and Hazel's husband J. M. Whitehurst. She is survived by a niece, Pattie Ellen Whitehurst and a great niece, PZ Whitehurst, both living in California. Jean and her late husband Fred met while both were working for the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland. They were married on November 30, 1952.

Jean was a graduate of Greenville High School and also Anderson College. She retired as a Librarian with National Security Agency in 1978. After moving to Myrtle Beach in 1982, she was Director of Volunteers with Mercy Hospice of Horry County for 22 years.

Jean received numerous awards and served on several boards during her life. She was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, a life member of the Women of the Church, was on the Coastal Carolina University Board of Visitors, served on the Board of the Coastal Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross where she received a 56 year award as a volunteer. She served as president of the Myrtle Beach Archibald Rutledge Book Club, was on the Long Bay Symphony Board, was president of Chapter S, P.E.O. Sistership, as well as, the South Carolina State Chapter P.E.O. President. She was also a director of the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club. After moving to Myrtle Beach in 1982, she began her volunteer work at the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and was presented the Thomas F. Frist humanitarian award in 2006. While volunteering at numerous places in Maryland, she was presented a Citation for Outstanding Volunteer Service by the Governor of the State of Maryland. Jean was president of The Rockville (MD) Nursing Home Auxiliary and president of the Rockville (MD) Junior Women's Club.

Jean's friends would like to thank Dr. Terry Belden and the staff at Myrtle Beach Manor for taking such wonderful care of her during the past several months.

Jean was a very accomplished lady and will be missed by all who came in contact with her.

Memorial services will be conducted at the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, Kings Campus, 1300 N. Kings Highway on Monday, March 6 at 11 AM with The Reverend Dr. John C. Brearley presiding. Interment will be Saturday, March 4 at 3 pm in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenville NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to The Rockville Nursing Home, 303 Adclare Road, Rockville, MD 20850, Mercy Hospice, PO Box 50640, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, Grissom Campus, 3810 Robert Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Coastal Carolina Chapter of The American Red Cross, 2975 Pampas Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com. As published in The Daily Reflector